A Comprehensive Investigation on Potential Risk Factors for NSCL/P in a Rural District of Hebei Province, China

Background Non syndromic cleft lip with or without palate (NSCL/P), one of the most common birth defects, is closely related to various risk factors. However, information regarding risk factors for NSCL/P in rural districts in China is very limited thus far. The objective of this study was designed to identify the potential risk factors for NSCL/P in rural districts. Methods A comprehensive retrospective investigation including 435 NSCL/P patients and 402 healthy children was carried out in Hebei Province, China. Multiple logistic regression analysis and transmission disequilibrium test (TDT) were respectively used to identify non-genetic and genetic risk factors for NSCL/P, and then PLINK was used to explore the relationship between non-genetic and genetic risk factors. Results The results showed that maternal periconceptional exposure to pesticides and herbicides, as well as low parental education level were involved in the increased risk of NSCL/P, whereas maternal folic acid and multivitamin supplementation use during preconception period were associated with the reduced risk of NSCL/P. TDT analysis identified 2 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs7078160 and rs4752028) in VAX1 and one SNP (rs17563) in BMP4 as the genetic risk factors for NSCL/P. Further analysis showed that the genetic risk factors were closely related with the negative non-genetic risk factors. Conclusion Our study identified the potential risk factors for NSCL/P in rural districts, thus providing a theoretical basis for the prevention of NSCL/P occurrence.